Lee-Metford 1888 magazine bolt-action rifle .303

posted 09 November 2021, 1:31 am
01. Original name Rifle, Magazine (Mark 1)  
02. Other official names Magazine Rifle, Lee-Metford  
03. Popular names Lee-Metford, Long Lee Metford,  
04. Chamberings .303 British aka 7.7×56mmR, initially Blackpowder, Cordite from 1897  
05. Designed by Action and magazine by James Paris Lee, barrel by William Ellis Metford  
06. Design date 1888  
07. In service date(s) 1889 – 1895  
08. Adopted by British Army and Navy  
09. Production quantities 280,770  
10. Mechanism Bolt-action, rear locking, double row magazine initially 8 rounds later 10  
11. Weight 9lb 8oz / 4.309kg  
12. Mountings Sword bayonet pattern 1888  
13. Practicality in action Slick bolt action but no provision for charger loading  
14. Comments / Other information The Metford rifling was designed to manage blackpowder fouling, but became rapidly eroded by the higher flame temperatures of Cordite ammunition